SBA-Approved Lenders in Houston
| Lender | Loans | Total Volume | Avg Loan | Preferred |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southwestern National Bank | 215 | $351.5M | $1.6M | ⭐ |
| Stellar Bank | 200 | $237.7M | $1.2M | ⭐ |
| Golden Bank, National Association | 136 | $192.8M | $1.4M | ⭐ |
| Global One Bank | 49 | $104.9M | $2.1M | ⭐ |
| First Service Credit Union | 30 | $30.2M | $1.0M | ⭐ |
| Unity National Bank of Houston | 26 | $15.1M | $581K | — |
| Texas Gulf Bank, National Association | 13 | $11.1M | $853K | ⭐ |
| Lone Star Bank | 12 | $15.7M | $1.3M | ⭐ |
| Capital Bank | 10 | $19.2M | $1.9M | ⭐ |
| Texas Dow Empl CU | 8 | $5.2M | $654K | ⭐ |
| Gulf Capital Bank | 5 | $4.4M | $876K | — |
| Central Bank | 3 | $3.9M | $1.3M | — |
| First Community CU | 2 | $560K | $280K | — |
| Agility Bank, National Association | 2 | $1.4M | $713K | — |
| Cy Fair Federal Credit Union | 2 | $200K | $100K | — |
SBA Loans in Houston, Texas
Houston is one of Texas's key business markets, and SBA 7(a) loans are a common financing tool for local small businesses buying equipment, real estate, or working capital. There are currently 15 SBA-approved lenders headquartered in Houston, with a combined 713 loans approved since 2020.
When evaluating SBA lenders in Houston, prioritize Preferred Lender Program (PLP) status — these institutions have delegated SBA approval authority, cutting weeks off the closing timeline. Also compare loan volume (more experience = smoother process) and average loan size to find a lender whose typical deal matches your needs.
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SBA Loan FAQ — Houston, TX
How do I find an SBA lender in Houston, TX?
Start with lenders headquartered in Houston — they often have local underwriters familiar with the Houston market. If local options are limited, any SBA-approved lender in Texas can fund your loan. Prioritize Preferred Lenders (PLP status) for faster approvals. Our directory shows real SBA loan volume data so you can compare lenders objectively.
What SBA loans are available to Houston small businesses?
Houston businesses can access SBA 7(a) loans (up to $5M for working capital, equipment, real estate, or acquisition), SBA 504 loans (for owner-occupied commercial real estate and heavy equipment, with 10% down), and SBA microloans (up to $50K for startups and micro-businesses). The 7(a) program is the most flexible and widely available.
What is the minimum credit score for an SBA loan in Houston?
Most SBA lenders require a personal credit score of 650–680+. Some community lenders and CDFIs go lower for businesses with strong cash flow. Having a score above 700 gives you access to the most competitive rates and the largest lender pool in Houston.
How long does SBA loan approval take for a Houston business?
With an SBA Preferred Lender (PLP), approval can take 7–10 business days. Standard SBA lenders add 2–4 weeks for SBA review. After approval, funding takes another 2–4 weeks. Total timeline: 30–90 days depending on loan complexity and how quickly you provide documentation.